Aqua Pennsylvania Completes Advanced PFAS Treatment System to Safeguard Drinking Water in Bucks County
Aqua Pennsylvania has announced the successful completion and commissioning of a new PFAS treatment system at its Edgely Water Treatment Facility in Bristol Township, Bucks County, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water. The new system is designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” from the local water supply, ensuring compliance with recently finalized national drinking water standards.
The Edgely facility now represents the tenth PFAS treatment system that Aqua Pennsylvania has placed into operation since 2018. Each of these facilities has been engineered to meet or exceed regulatory requirements, positioning the utility as a leader in proactive water quality protection. The latest installation directly benefits nearly 11,000 customers across Bristol Township and Bristol Borough, reinforcing Aqua Pennsylvania’s role as a critical provider of essential water infrastructure in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Addressing the Challenge of PFAS Contamination
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products, including firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. Their strong chemical bonds make them highly persistent in the environment, which is why they are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Over time, PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies across the United States, prompting growing concern among regulators, public health experts, and communities.
Scientific studies have linked prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds to potential health risks, including developmental effects, immune system impacts, and increased risk of certain cancers. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized new national drinking water standards for PFAS, requiring water utilities to take action to reduce concentrations to extremely low levels.
Aqua Pennsylvania began addressing PFAS well before the implementation of federal standards. The company has invested heavily in monitoring, treatment, and system upgrades to ensure its customers receive water that meets the most stringent safety benchmarks.
Advanced Treatment Technology at Edgely
The newly completed PFAS treatment system at the Edgely Water Treatment Facility consists of six large filtration units that utilize ion exchange resin technology. Ion exchange is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for removing PFAS compounds from drinking water. The resin selectively attracts and binds PFAS molecules, preventing them from passing through the system and into the distribution network.
This treatment approach allows Aqua Pennsylvania to significantly reduce PFAS concentrations while maintaining consistent water quality and system reliability. The six-filter configuration also provides operational flexibility, enabling maintenance and media replacement without disrupting service to customers.
According to Aqua Pennsylvania, the system has been fully tested and optimized to ensure continuous compliance with federal and state standards. Once the resin reaches saturation, it is safely removed and replaced in accordance with environmental regulations, ensuring that captured contaminants are properly managed.
A Multi-Year Investment in Water Quality
The Edgely project is part of a broader, multi-year investment strategy aimed at modernizing Aqua Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and addressing emerging contaminants. Since 2018, the company has deployed PFAS treatment systems across multiple communities, reflecting a proactive approach that goes beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
These investments are not limited to treatment alone. Aqua Pennsylvania has also expanded its water quality monitoring programs, enhanced laboratory testing capabilities, and worked closely with regulators to stay ahead of evolving standards. The company’s efforts demonstrate a long-term vision focused on resilience, public health, and environmental stewardship.
Water utilities nationwide face increasing pressure to address PFAS contamination, often requiring significant capital expenditures. Aqua Pennsylvania’s early action has helped streamline the transition to compliance with the EPA’s new rules, reducing uncertainty for customers and regulators alike.
Protecting Communities and Public Health
For residents of Bristol Township and Bristol Borough, the completion of the Edgely PFAS treatment system provides reassurance that their drinking water meets the highest safety standards. Nearly 11,000 customers served by the facility will benefit directly from the advanced filtration technology, reinforcing trust in the local water supply.
Access to clean, safe drinking water is a cornerstone of public health and economic stability. By investing in advanced treatment systems, Aqua Pennsylvania supports not only individual households but also schools, healthcare facilities, and local businesses that rely on dependable water service.
Company officials have emphasized that PFAS treatment is a critical component of Aqua Pennsylvania’s broader mission to protect public health while maintaining affordability and service reliability. The utility continues to engage with customers through public communications and educational initiatives to explain how PFAS treatment works and why it matters.
Regulatory Compliance and Future Preparedness
The completion of the Edgely system places Aqua Pennsylvania in a strong position to comply with current and future regulatory requirements related to PFAS. The EPA’s national drinking water standards represent a significant shift in how utilities must manage emerging contaminants, and compliance timelines are expected to drive widespread infrastructure upgrades across the country.
By moving early, Aqua Pennsylvania has reduced the risk of regulatory delays and potential enforcement actions while setting a benchmark for other utilities facing similar challenges. The company’s experience with multiple PFAS treatment installations provides valuable operational insights that can be applied to future projects.
Looking ahead, Aqua Pennsylvania plans to continue evaluating its system-wide PFAS exposure and identify additional locations where treatment upgrades may be necessary. As scientific understanding and regulations evolve, the utility remains committed to adapting its infrastructure and operational practices accordingly.
A Model for Proactive Water Management
The successful deployment of the PFAS treatment system at the Edgely Water Treatment Facility underscores Aqua Pennsylvania’s leadership in proactive water quality management. Rather than reacting to regulatory mandates after the fact, the company has taken decisive action to address contamination risks and protect its customers.
As PFAS continues to be a national issue, projects like Edgely highlight the importance of sustained investment in water infrastructure and the role utilities play in safeguarding public health. Aqua Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts demonstrate how forward-thinking utilities can balance regulatory compliance, technological innovation, and community trust.
With the Edgely system now fully operational, Aqua Pennsylvania reinforces its commitment to delivering safe, reliable drinking water today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
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